Hockey India Mourns the Passing of Olympic Medalist Gurbaksh Singh Grewal

New Delhi, April 25: Hockey India expressed its condolences on Saturday following the passing of former Indian Olympian Gurbaksh Singh Grewal. He passed away at the age of 84. Hockey India stated that his dedication to nurturing future generations will always be remembered.

Gurbaksh Singh Grewal was a member of the team that secured a bronze medal for India at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He leaves behind a rich legacy as a player, mentor, and administrator.

Expressing his sympathies, Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey remarked, “The Indian hockey community is deeply shocked by the passing of Gurbaksh Singh Grewal. He was a respected member of India’s Olympic medal-winning team and a true servant of the sport. His contributions extended far beyond the field. His passion for hockey and commitment to nurturing future generations will always be remembered. On behalf of Hockey India, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Hockey India Secretary Bhola Nath Singh added, “Today, we have lost a respected member of the Indian hockey family. Gurbaksh Singh Grewal’s achievements as a player and his contributions as an administrator have left a profound and lasting impact on Indian hockey. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations. We pray for strength and peace for his family during this challenging time.”

Gurbaksh Singh Grewal, a dynamic forward of his era, represented India in the 1968 Olympics alongside his brother Balbir Singh Grewal. This marked the first time in Indian hockey history that two brothers represented the nation in the same Olympic Games.

Born on April 1, 1942, in Lyallpur, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Gurbaksh Singh Grewal moved to Mumbai around the age of 20 to pursue a career in hockey. There, he represented Western Railway and built a remarkable career both on and off the field.

Even after retiring as a Sports Officer from Western Railway, Gurbaksh Singh Grewal remained actively involved in the development of the sport. He coached several teams in Mumbai for many years and later served as the honorary secretary of the Mumbai Hockey Association.

–